Brazil is beach country. There are more beaches located in the country than you’ll probably ever visit. They aren’t just an important pastime for tourists, they are also important to locals. Brazil has over 8,000 km of coastline and thousands of beaches, most of them you’ll probably never visit. That’s why it’s important to visit the best beaches Brazil has to offer. Hera are some of our favorites:

Praia do Toque, Alagoas

Here lies 15 km of beach protected by reef and lack of highway. Those who know about it know that to get there you need to turn off the highway and take the local road into the trees and villages. 20 minutes north of the beach is a manatee sanctuary that can easily be reached, and you can hire a fishing boat at low tide and visit the tidal pools. What’s more is that the water at this beach is always, always warm.

There’s no motorized transport allowed on this beach – so quiet breezes and water prevail. Oh, and the sound of mules pulling carts, which are the only alternative to walking. The beach is long, more than a days walk in both directions, and you’re surrounded by nothing but goal posts and golden sand.

Bonete, Sao Paulo State

Walking the paths to reach this beach is half the fun, you’ll pass waterfalls and beautiful coastal forest. Once you reach the beach, it’s nothing but blue waters and golden sand. This is a great surfing spot as well. You can camp on the beach, rent a canoe, or just lay in the sun and soak up some rays.

This beach stretches for 1,100 km of coastline. Beautiful reef pools can be found here, and a huge pool offers great snorkeling and viewing of tropical fish. There’s even a bar in front of the reef pool, Bar das Meninas, that has some fabulous seafood and cocktails. The beach is also notoriously beautiful at night.

Arpoador, Rio de Janeiro

This is a continuance of Ipanema beach, and it’s strikingly beautiful. Surfers and local bathers love this spot of beach as well because the tides are great and the rays of sun are just right. The Azul Marinho restaurant also sits on the beach, where you can enjoy a great beach cocktail and some fresh prawns. You may even catch a local band of musicians practicing, or young children practicing capoeira (Brazilian dance fighting).

This 7km long beach is one of the most beautiful and most popular on the Bahia peninsula of Brazil. White beaches, beautiful blue water, and a generally great beach atmosphere contributed to it being voted the sixth most beautiful beach in Brazil.

One of the neatest features found here are the natural pools formed at low tide between the coral reefs. These pools boast crystal clear water and colorful water fauna, making them a perfect location for snorkeling. These pools are best enjoyed during the full moon and new moon when the tides are highest.

Taipus de Fora is also conveniently located near some great Brazilian neighborhoods. It has regular transport to the Peninsula of Marau, the town of Barra Grande, the towns of Taipus de Dentro and Campinho, the forest of Giants Bromeliads, and more!

And last but not least – the blue lagoon. The lagoon is located at the southernmost end of the beach. It has fresh water rich in lanolin, which is great for relaxing in after swimming in the ocean. There is also a beautiful lighthouse nearby, the Moor do Farol, which offers spectacular and full views of other beaches from Ponta do Muta to Itacare.

To reach Lopes Mendes beach you must first take a 3 hour bus and boat trip from Rio de Janeiro to the beautiful island of Ilha Grande. Ilha Grande is considered to have some of the nicest beaches in Brazil, with Lopes Mendes being one of them. In fact, Vogue Magazine voted one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world about 3 years ago.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy here. Snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, sailing, and sunbathing should keep you busy while visiting the beach. Snorkeling is definitely something you’ll want to check out as the marine life is abundant and beautiful – you may even get a visit from a family of sea turtles! As for relaxing and sunbathing on the beautiful white sand, this beach is truly the beach to kick your feet up and get away from it all. While the beaches in Rio de Janeiro are beautiful and have no shortage in the way of fun, they are very busy. Lopes Mendes beach is a quieter and more serene beach, perfect for those who prefer a vacation away from the hustle and bustle.

If you tire of the beach, the island has plenty of other things to enjoy. Try some delicious fresh seafood at one of the 30 local restaurants. Be sure to try the Brazilian fish stew! Or maybe dancing the Samba in the main square is more your style. You can even do some hiking – Papagaio Peak is only about a 2-3 hour hike to the peak and presents an unforgettable view at the top. You may even run into some rainforest wildlife on the way up!

So remember, if in the Rio de Janeiro area or just vacationing in Brazil, don’t pass up spending a day or two on Lopes Mendes beach!

Rio de Janeiro may not be the capital of Brazil, but it’s certainly the place to be. Famous for its laidback beach culture, thriving night life, beautiful landscape, and annual Carnival, you don’t want to pass up experiencing this amazing city! You’re guaranteed to have the experience of a lifetime.

First on the list of must-see Rio attractions is the harbor. The harbor is so unique that it’s actually one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World! Rio’s harbor features a unique entry from the ocean and several distinct geographical locations outdoor adventurers won’t want to miss, including Sugar Loaf Mountains and Corcovado Peak. Trips up Corcovado by train cost about R$43, but the price is worth the view – especially if you want to see the Cristo up close and personal. Sugar Loaf Mountains, or Pão de Açúcar, is comprised of 2 mountains (one taller and one shorter) that make up Brazil’s top landmark. The beautiful view is a truly unique experience, especially at sunset. For the more adventurous travelers, there are also hiking options for both the Sugar Loaf Mountains and Corcovado.

Next stop – downtown! Historic buildings, interesting sights, shopping, and the most delicious food are found in downtown Rio and its surrounding areas. Stop for lunch at one of Rio de Janeiro’s “comida a kilo”, or buffet style, restaurants where you pay by the amount of food on your plate! And it’s not just any ole’ buffet food, it’s authentic and delicious Brazilian food! Be sure to try Brazil’s most famous dish fejoada, a black bean stew filled with sausages, pork, and beef. Yum! Once you’re belly’s full, head over to one of Rio’s many museums and cultural buildings, including The Paco Imperial, Museo Caso do Pontal (collection of local arts and crafts), and even the Museu Carmem Miranda (yes, there is a Carmem Miranda museum!). Don’t forget to grab a trinket or two along the way from one of the many local stores!

Ah, the beaches of Rio. There’s an unbelievable fifteen to choose from, all beautiful (and one is even nude). These Brazilian beaches feature a unique and inviting “beach culture” where you are sure to have some fun in the sun. Catch a wave, rent a beach chair and relax in the sun, or purchase some refreshments from one of the thousands of walking vendors. If you’re unsure which beach location you should visit, the Copacabana (Brazil’s most famous beach) is sure not to disappoint, or you can soak up some rays at Leme beach or Barra da Tijuca. Rio’s beaches and boardwalks are also where you can expect to find some of the best night life.

So grab a towel and a Portuguese language book, bring your appetite and your sense of adventure, and experience Rio de Janeiro!

These white sands and clear blue waters are home to a small village. Caraiva is quiet, quaint, and peaceful. Come here if you’re looking to get away, prance around freely and comfortably and not be judged by anyone. Don’t forget to check out the Quadrado, which is the main square lined with colorful houses and a little white church overlooking the ocean.

Trancoso is one area of Bahia, and is most famous for its white, serene beaches. Most of the beaches are protected by reefs and form natural swimming pools at low tide. Some of the best beaches in the area are listed here:

Praia do Espelho (Mirror Beach)

This is the most famous beach of Trancoso. It has powder white sand beaches and natural warm swimming pools created by reefs at low tide. Praia do Espelho is located about a half an hour from Trancoso, following a winding dirt roat that is only accessible during sunny dry weather.

Praia dos Coqueiros (Palmtree Beach)

Praia dos Coqueiros is a small beach with medium waves. There are more than a hundred palm trees lining this beach, which explains why it got the nickname.

Praia da Pedra Grande (Big Rock Beach)

About a kilometer away from Praia Coqueiros, this beach is narrow and smaller than the others mentioned. It doesn’t draw many tourists, so if you’re looking for quiet time and privacy head this way. Although quiet, you will find restaurants, beachbars and some beach hotels along the coast. This is the last beach in this sequence where you’ll find these amenities. As you cruise down further the beaches get more remote and don’t have anything to purchase, so you’ll have to take along your own snacks and drinks for the day. If you’re looking to bathe topless, head down further.

Praia dos Nativos (Local beach)

Praias dos Nativos is perhaps the most famous beache of Trancoso. It’s hip and busy, and you’ll find the most hotels, beachbars, and restaurants here.

Arpoador Beach, Rio de Janerio

Arpoador Beach takes over 800 meters of coastline that includes the infamous areas of Ipanema and Leblon beaches. The beach is peaceful, although sometimes crowded. People love to jump off of the rocks on the coastline into the ocean. The Arpoador Stone in Rio de Janeiro is a rock formation that peaks out high above the Atlantic ocean. The rock is as large as a football field and marks the border of the Ipanema – Arpoador coastline. Waves on the beach can be large, and surfers often ride them.

To the left of Arpoador’s Rock is Do Diabo beach (Devil’s beach). Even though it’s small in size, it has it’s own beach. The waves are this end, and very good for surfing.

Praia do Diabo beach is another beach on the coastline, set between the coastlines of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. You can enter this beach through a small path in a green park. You’ll find some street vendors here to purchase small snacks and frozen coconut water.

Praia do Toque, Alagoas

Praia do Toque is just one of many beautiful beaches along the endless sandy Alagoas coastline, named Costa dos Corais (Coral Coast) after the enormous coral reef just off the coast’s shore.

The 20km ecological route where Praia do Toque is located is the only part of Brazil where the main north-south highway BR101 goes inland, leaving the coastal road and local communities in tact just as they were 50 years ago. The weather in this region is usually warm and sunny, with refreshing breezes throughout the day. If you’re planning on being a beach bum, I would recommend not going in June because that’s when you might catch the most rain.

The town full of handcrafted treasures, you can find wood carvings of all kinds and other hand-made arts and crafts. The waters are warm, the sand is white, and there are plenty of sealife if you’re into snorkeling. The natural pools are warm and still and perfect for swimming. Walk the coastline, or take a boat trip. Or you can stay put and enjoy the beautiful stretch of white sand and the quaint and cute pousadas, most of which are right on the beach and offer half board rates. Food is fresh and good, and prices are fair.

• Where to stay: Pousada do Toque, the region’s pioneers. Pousada do Caju is also good, and cheaper.

Fernando de Noronha

An absolute beautiful paradise, just off the north-east coast of Brazil is Fernando de Noronha. Finding a white sand beach is an easy task on the small volcanic island, but visiting three specific ones is essential: Praia do Sancho, which is a hidden secret, reached through a crack in a rock wall; Baía dos Porcos (Pig’s Bay), a veranda of white sand and aqua beauty and great for swimming; and Atalaia, a natural saltwater pool with abundant sea life like sea turtles and dolphins. All have crystal waters, and because tourist traffic to the islands are strictly monitored by the government, sea turtles, octopuses, a variety of rainbow colored fish, and even sharks are easy to spot. But don’t worry about the sharks too much, the food chain is well preserved here and the sharks are far less dangerous than they are elsewhere.

The diving here is well know. But if your sole purpose of going is for diving, I think you’re better suited going to Honduras, Cayman Islands or Cozumel. Those places better suited for divers and more affordable. But if your looking for a beautiful white sand paradise to dig your toes in, a romantic trip with your other half, honeymooning, or looking for a remote piece of paradise, this definitely the place for you.

Alter do Chao, Pará

Alter do Chão is a village town in the state of Pará, Brazil, only a short drive (45 minutes) from the Amazon port City of Santerem. Brazilian locals have vacationed here for many years, and more recently this beach town has been increasing in popularity amongst international tourists making trips along the Amazon River. Alter do Chaõ is no where as crowded as the beaches of Rio, but catch it soon because someday it may be.

The small beach village is located on the Tapajós river and next to Lago Verde. On the other side of the village, and between two calm bodies of water there is a sand bank, as seen in the photo above. As the Amazon recedes in the Summer, tourists flock the sand bars and create a party on the beach. Alter do Chaõ is Brazil’s competition to the Caribbean, and the most picturesque scene, almost straight from a painting, nestled between the Amazon rainforest.

The local village has great fresh sea food! After a long day on the beach, treat yourself to fresh caught fish and some island drinks. Then mosey on over to one of the village’s pousadas (hotels) after and enjoy the rest of the night. It’s no surprise that people call the humid dense Amazon the “Green Inferno.” The warm winds, sexy surroundings and beautiful people will make you want to stay in this golden white sand paradise forever.

Where to stay: Pousada Tupaiulandia (+55 93 3527 1157, no website) is not very expensive and pretty quaint, like all places in Alter do Chao, but has a lot of character, and is really all that you need to relax and unwind.

One of the most popular and infamous beaches in the world, Copacabana beach in Brazil is the most famous neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. The beach area is brimming with sun-soaking activities by day, plenty of restaurants, and wild nightlife for those seeking to party.

Although the beach takes over a large strip of coastline, it can be extremely crowded during the Summer season. But it makes for great people watching, plenty of outdoor activities and water sports. The huge size makes it possible to hold festivals on the sand during Carnival, New Years Eve and International soccer tournaments, bringing in millions of people annually.

Take a stroll down the beach-lined sidewalk (Calçadão) and you will see gorgeous people from all around the world, and even a few celebrities, especially during soccer season. Copacabana beach is really quite the scene. It is the perfect place for a tourist who really wants to see the essence of Rio. The strip behind the beach is similar to that of Miami Beach, and is filled with hotels, restaurants and plenty of shopping and nightlife.

Bring an open mind, don’t mind the crowds, and enjoy this beautiful strip of Rio!